more foundations are carefully defining thir policies and procedures about distribution of funds. in an affort to fund appropriate projects and reduce the time nonprofits spend preparing proposals outside foundations' interests, many foundations now clearly explain their areas of interest,application procedures,distribution plans and timelines. inaddition,foundations now seek evidence that a nonprofit operates with effective board governance and competent staff management, a long-term fiscal and program plan, and a mission related to social needs about which the foundation is concerned.